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Top tips on cyber security

Pure’s spring series of Director Insights sessions, held in partnership with Grant Thornton, looked at the subject of cyber security and shared expert insight on the steps organisations can take to identify and guard against cyber crime.

Attacks on business IT systems are common in the UK and can affect organisations of all sizes. These attacks aim to steal information, money or to disrupt a business by hacking. As cyber attacks increase in quantity and sophistication, the global cost is estimated to hit $6 trillion by 2021. This makes effective security a critical issue for business leaders and it is also a subject of extreme importance to us here at Pure. We are putting robust strategies in place to protect our client and candidate data and to prevent any disruption to our business operations.

Nadia Mullins-Hills, Pure’s IT & Projects Manager, attended all of the Director Insight sessions. She said: “We learnt a lot about how we can build on our ongoing work to secure our systems and data. It was also evident from the sessions that the levels of understanding about cyber crime varied among attendees and that local organisations were all at different stages in their cyber security journey. The positive and main message which everyone took away is that 80% of attacks could be avoided by good cyber hygiene. This simply means being aware of the potential threats to your business and getting the basics right to mitigate against data leaks and hacks.”

Here are some of our cyber security top tips, compiled from the sessions and our own work here at Pure.

Improve user awareness

The human element is one of the biggest risks factors of cyber crime, whether criminals are targeting businesses or individuals. Taking the time to increase understanding of the potential threats and to raise awareness of the types of potential crime will help to protect your employees both at home and at work.

At Pure, we recently carried out cyber crime training with our management team. This included some fantastic, free business support and training from Rebecca Tinsley, Regional Cyber Project Coordinator at the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). We looked at the potential threats, such as phishing attacks where fraudulent attempts are made to obtain sensitive information such as user names, passwords and credit card details. We also highlighted the potential impacts on our business, including a loss of money, a loss of data or the installation of malicious software. Most importantly we shared top tips on what to look out for and what to do if anyone is unsure about a phone call, message or email they may have received. We will be following this up with company-wide training and we will also include cyber crime awareness as part of our induction process for all new employees.

Password policies

One of the key areas we are raising awareness of is password security. People should have passwords that they can remember easily, so they don’t have to write them down, but still use a different password for each platform. This makes it harder for cyber criminals to infiltrate more than one system or account. If the same password is used across numerous different platforms, cyber criminals only need to hack one account and could potentially gain access to a wealth of different information across multiple accounts, from credit card details stored online through to personal data. Following advice from the National Cyber Security Centre on what makes a good password, we have recommended that people choose three different, random words which are easy for them to remember and then to use variations and combinations of these to make up a separate password for each different platform.

Use two factor authentication

Two factor authentication is something many people will already be familiar with and will be doing when they access accounts such as their internet banking or cloud storage. This is when you are asked for a second piece of authentication, beyond just your user name and password, if you are trying to log on from a different device or carrying out a high value or new transaction. The second piece of authentication could be additional memorable data provided when the account was set up, or it could involve a separate passcode being sent to your mobile phone. The two authentication elements needed to log-in makes it extremely difficult for cyber criminals to access accounts. Even if they do have your password, they will still need more information or to have access to your mobile phone. What many people, and businesses, may not be aware of is that this form of additional cyber protection is available for free across many other platforms including Google and Windows. It is worth reviewing all systems to see where this is available and to activate this as part of your account settings.

Create disaster recovery plans

As well as putting plans in place to protect against cyber crime, we are also assessing all the possible risks our organisation may face and creating disaster recovery plans, just in case the worst-case scenario should happen. Cyber crime is not just an IT problem, it is operation-wide and these recovery plans will form an important part of our overall business continuity strategies. As with all business recovery plans, whether in the event of a serious office fire, or a data hack, everyone needs to know who does what, how the communication process will work and what actions they need to take. The recovery plan should be fully tested before it is finalised. All the processes and back up plans put in place then need to be reviewed regularly, for example every six months or annually, to check they are still suitable and to keep on top of any new areas for consideration.

The topic of cyber crime, and the impact it could have on businesses and their employees, was discussed at the spring series of Director Insights, delivered by Pure Executive and Grant Thornton. These quarterly events, held in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich, bring business leaders together to share experiences and gain insights from industry experts. They are part of an extensive calendar of events by Pure to support local businesses and the economic growth of the Eastern region.

Six new franchisees join TaxAssist Accountants

A mix of franchisees establishing new and purchasing existing practices recently completed their initial training and have begun trading as TaxAssist Accountants.

Amit Joshi (Chesham), Stuart Burge (Clacton-on-Sea), Chao Pang (Sutton North), Iain MacKenzie (Reading West), Tasnuva Tina (Royston) and Andrew Slade (Stockport) have all joined TaxAssist Accountants’ flourishing network.

Chao Pang, a CIMA qualified accountant who has 14 years’ finance experience most recently as deputy director of finance, said: “I joined TaxAssist Accountants because I was attracted to its proven business model and the openness of its leadership team. The support from Karl Sandall [Group Chief Executive Director] and his team is impressive and second to none. I look forward to being a part of the TaxAssist Accountants family for many years to come!”

Andy Slade FCA, worked in industry for eight years working his way up to a group financial controller position and latterly as an independent contractor. It was while contracting that he decided he wanted to put down permanent roots, build a practice and a team and get more involved in his local community.

He explained: “I knew I would need some help in the early days not only with some of the technical aspects, but also with the way the industry is moving I wanted to ensure I was working with the right technologies and partners.

“I attended a discovery day and my wife and I were both really impressed, not only with the depth of the support TaxAssist can provide but also – and importantly – the culture, a friendly positive can-do team who care about their franchisees.

“Having now attended the initial training course I can say that the support that was presented on the discovery day now only feels like the tip of the iceberg, everyone has been great! The support from the team is real, not just on the technical side but also with work on setting up my shop. “I’m still in my first month of trading and, already signing up and helping clients, as well as looking forward to getting the keys to the shop soon!”

Karl Sandall said: “As ever, it was a pleasure to meet such a great group of new franchisees and we look forward to helping them to grow substantial practices.

“We have a further three initial training courses scheduled in 2019, with three people already booked on our June course.”

If you would like more information about becoming part of the TaxAssist Accountants network, please call our Franchise Recruitment Manager Nikki Haythorne on 0800 0188297.

Grow your business with a UEA placement student

Businesses across East Anglia are turning to placement students and interns from the University of East Anglia (UEA) to help innovate and grow their organisations.

Increasing numbers of businesses are hosting placement students and interns with many offering them permanent positions when they graduate.

The University works with businesses to meet their needs, including providing recruitment support, placements and internships. The UEA Internship Programme contracts are extremely flexible, providing temporary paid workers who can work within a company from three weeks to one year on a part-time or full-time contract, while the Year in Industry placement degree programme gives employers the opportunity to recruit a student to work with you and your organisation for 9 – 14 months. 

It’s more than just work experience or shadowing; a placement student or intern can bring real benefits to your business.  You gain an enthusiastic student with fresh perspectives and new ideas, keen to learn and apply their knowledge in the workplace.  It’s a great way to identify new talent, increase productivity and enhance your reputation, values and culture.

Both placement programs and internships are a win-win for both students and employers and a try before you buy solution for both parties.

Robert Kinglsley, from the Quadram Institute, commented that the placement students he has worked with have been “top quality students who are motivated and reliable.”

Environmental Sciences student Oli Gray, who spent his placement year as an Assistant Trails Officer with Norfolk County Council commented: “The reality of my placement has been a lot different to what I expected.  I can honestly say my placement year has been one of the best things I’ve done at university!”

If you think your business could benefit from hiring a UEA student, contact the UEA Placement & Internship Team at placements@uea.ac.uk

Don’t just take my word for it – hear what students and employers have to say on the subject.   

UEA is one of the UK’s top 15 Universities in the country and hosts a pool of over 17,000 students from all over the world, with access to 4,000 recent graduates. We have a range of services to help you access talent.  So if your business is struggling to hire why not drop us a line at access.talent@uea.ac.uk or give us a call on 01603 593452.

Abate Pest Management – 20 Year’s old today

20 years ago today (April 15th 1999), after working for 10 years with pest control giants Rentokil and Dyno-Kil, Jon Blake decided to set up his own business and called it Abate, which is the company he and his wife Jill owns today.

The name Abate has the meaning of ‘reduce or remove’ which fitted nicely into the world of Pest Control.

Jon started to develop the business in Norfolk and Suffolk and with the help of some ex-colleagues, the business soon started winning contracts in the Cambridgeshire area.

Throughout the years Abate has developed into the surrounding counties of Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, as more contracts were successfully awarded.

With the help of Jon’s wife, they developed processes, RAMS (risk assessment method statements) and became triple ISO accredited, gained the CHAS and Safe Contractor status and became a member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association).  In February this year Abate became CEPA certified, meeting the European standard (EN 16636) in pest management service. They joined an elite group of 110 other UK pest control businesses who have gained this benchmark of quality, in terms of public health, food safety, environmental sustainability and economic significance.

Abate works with many commercial businesses including those in the food chain who are responsible for BRC audits from the Food Standards Agency. The growing portfolio of clients include names such as, Johnston Logistics UK, Best Western Hotels, Gnaw Chocolate, Consort Medical, Greene King, Felsted School, Anglian Water, Clarion Housing, Intu, Dencora and Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire County Councils. The domestic market remains a key part of the business treating residential properties with rodent and insect infestations.

Abate has also worked on many large-scale bird proofing installations including Sizewell Power Station, the University of East Anglia and RG Carter. Jon has an engineering background, which comes in useful when planning structural proofing methods for all types of buildings.

The business employs 7 service technicians (trained to the Royal Society For Public Health standards) and additional support staff. It is now growing throughout the UK by franchising with the primary focus to set up fully operational territories in Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Abate is also talking to a number of potential franchisees in Leicestershire, Kent, London and Middlesex, with additional interest from other parts of the UK.

Jon Blake said, “The pest control industry has seen lots of change since we commenced trading 20 years ago. It’s all been good change and we constantly strive forward with new processes and legislation, plus keep ahead with all the accreditations and certifications. Technology has also been a key area for our business success. Last year we invested in new workflow technology to manage the business including technician visits and reporting. As reported, in addition to the continued growth within the Eastern region, our next stage of growth is through franchising. We have laid the foundations and now with the help of Jonathan White and Neil Foley, the franchising team has excellent plans to build a national pest control business. The 20 years success couldn’t have been done without our fantastic customers and staff and I want to thank each one for their continued support.”

In March this year, Abate picked up the award for the 2019 Small Company of the Year at the British Pest Management Awards. They were shortlisted alongside five other UK pest control companies.

Visit Abate Pest Management

Join us for the UEA Grad Fair

UEA’s CareerCentral are delighted to announce that exhibitor bookings for their first ever Graduate Jobs Fair are now open. GradFair will take place on 23 May 2019 from 11am-3pm at The Forum, Norwich. CareerCentral are looking for organisations who will have live opportunities and vacancies at the time of the event, so if that sounds like you, book your place

UEA has over 4,000 energetic and enthusiastic students graduating every year, and many stay in East Anglia. This is a brilliant opportunity to exhibit in an award-winning city centre location and access graduate talent from a UK top 15 university.  Thursday 23 May 2019, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, The Forum, Norwich

Are you a recent graduate of UEA? Or are you graduating in 2019 and looking for a graduate-level job for after your studies? Either way, you’re invited to join CareerCentral at our first GradFair this May and meet organisations recruiting for graduate level opportunities – who are looking for people like you.

Stay tuned for the full list of organisations who will be attending – to be announced in Spring 2019!

What to expect at the Fair:

  • Graduate roles you can apply for now
  • Representatives from a range of sectors
  • A chance to meet people working in fields you want to go into – or haven’t even considered yet!
  • Support from Careers Advisers

Live internship interviews

On the day, we will be running interviews with a variety of organisations who are offering graduate internships. 

There will be 10 roles available, and a possible 60 interview slots – not all of the applications are open yet but the first few are available on this information page

Still not sure? Did you know…

90% of employers recruit from all degree disciplines – so you could find your dream job somewhere you never expected it!

We’ve invited organisations who are looking for all types of people, and who can give you a real insight into their companies and careers. Whether you have a specific career plan in mind or are still figuring it all out, this is an opportunity to explore what you could do next.

Book your space now on GradCentral.

Interested in exhibiting at GradFair? 

We are looking for regional and national organisations who will have live graduate level opportunities and vacancies at the time of the event. Does this sound like your organisation? If so, book now via our online application form.

Maintaining a Healthy Workplace

Maintaining a healthy workplace doesn’t just tick health and safety boxes; it demonstrates that you care about your employees. It’s not an entirely altruistic act, though; the healthier your staff, the less time off sick they’ll take, and your company will be more productive. So, look at it as an investment with a fabulous ROI! Here are a few suggestions to get you started: 

Air Quality Whilst this Harvard study shows that improving air quality improves mental cognition when we think about air quality affecting our health we tend to think of air conditioning systems spreading germs. On the whole, if air conditioning filters are maintained and cleaned regularly, they are less likely to contribute to the spreading of disease. Access to fresh air through natural means, e.g. an open window, isn’t just cheaper and better for the environment, many workers find it calming and morale-boosting.

If you have air conditioning in your office, check that it is included in the cleaning schedule and regularly maintained.  

Cleaning If you want to keep germs at bay then it is imperative that you are proactive in your approach to cleaning. Disinfecting shared equipment and fixtures such as computer keyboards, telephones, door handles, worktops, and kitchen appliances on a regular basis is as imperative as an effective washroom cleaning schedule if you want to minimise the risk of infection.

Go the Extra Mile Regular contract cleaning should always be supported by a deep cleaning schedule. How often will be dependent on many factors, including the type of business, footfall of premises, and style of fixtures and fittings.

Incidentally, when it comes to window cleaning, do not underestimate the proven positive effects natural light has on mental wellbeing.

Promote Personal Hygiene There’s a lot you can do to keep your workplace free from germs, but ultimately your staff themselves are in the best place to protect themselves. Encourage them to tackle those unhygienic workplace habits and watch your sickness rates plummet!

If you are looking to reduce hygiene related staff sickness absences and need some help to improve the cleanliness of your business premises, contact us for more details of our contract cleaning services and one-off deep cleans.

First Workplace Women’s Institute Launched in Norfolk

42 women from across the Flagship Group came together on 4 April to form ‘Girls at 31’ – the first ever workplace Women’s Institute (WI) in Norfolk.

The women, who work for the largest housing association in the East of England, joined the long-standing institution in their ethos to unite women, build friendships and create a sense of belonging.

In true WI style, there was tea, cake and laughter at the Norwich headquarters (31 King Street) as the women formally registered as members, created a committee, and elected president Tracey Drake (Marketing Communications Business Partner).

Tracey said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see so many professional women coming together and forming our own WI. I’m proud to say I work for a company which has created this opportunity for their staff and can’t wait to get started.”

The inaugural meeting, which saw women from across the group aged between 19 to 71 coming together, was hosted by Margaret Collingwood, Head of the Norfolk WI.

She said: “It was wonderful to be part of this inspiring initiative.  Forming a new WI is always exciting, but a workplace WI is a new venture for the Norfolk Federation; one we embrace wholeheartedly.  We look forward to hearing about their plans for the next few months and to watching them grow and develop into the WI that suits their needs as working women.  We wish Girls at 31 WI every success in the future.”

Norfolk’s first ever workplace WI has been formed to bring women closer together, develop friendships, and collaborate through a range of activities to improve wellbeing. ‘Girls at 31’ was  formed based on an idea developed by Deputy CEO, Helen Walsham and MD of Flagship Homes, Marie-Claire Delbrouque and reflects the Group’s commitment to supporting and empowering women in the workplace.

Helen said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance employee wellbeing and engagement in the workplace and the WI will do just that. I am thrilled to see our women coming together, with equality, a sense of belonging and most importantly to have fun.”

The ‘Girls at 31’ will join the other 5,000 WI members across Norfolk and create their own programme for the next year. This will include sessions on professional development, motivational speakers, clothes swaps, wellbeing evenings, walking clubs, events and lots more.

Milly J Shoes Delivers Easter Shoe to the Maids Head Hotel

Emily Jupp of Milly J Shoes has delivered her special ‘Easter’ Shoe to the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich. The shoe will be on display in hotel reception throughout the Easter period.

Emily is a shoe artist and is creating a series of shoes, linked to key events in the Norwich and Norfolk calendar, for display at the hotel. She crafts her handmade shoes and clips in her shop and studio in Tombland, just across the road from the Maids Head.

Winner of the EDP Bride Awards Innovation Award 2018 and Footwear Designer of the Year 2015, Emily has launched a campaign to get people to bring their unwanted shoes to her shop, so they can be upcycled into one of her colourful creations.

Guests enjoying hen party and birthday party afternoon teas at the Maids Head, can also book Emily for a fun workshop to design an create their own pair of shoe clips, which they take home in a presentation box.

An Afternoon Tea with Milly J Shoes event, including a shoe clips workshop has been arranged for Sunday 17 November. For more information, click here. 

Christine Malcolm, General Manager, the Maids Head Hotel said: “We are so pleased to have embarked on this new partnership with Emily, whose work has been endorsed by the likes of Boy George and Kylie Minogue. Her shoes are proving an excellent talking point for our guests.”

 

 

 

 

Statement welcoming funding to help promote Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft for offshore wind investment

GREAT Yarmouth Borough Council has secured £98,000 from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) towards a major branding and marketing campaign to position Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft as world leaders in offshore wind, maximising visibility to potential investors and Government.

A total of £98,000 of Government funding has been secured from New Anglia LEP’s Innovative Growth Fund for a two-year, £300,000 programme, led by Great Yarmouth Borough Council in partnership with East Suffolk District Council, Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council.

The programme will bring together private sector and other partners, such as the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and the All Energy Industry Council, with shared, coherent branding, targeted, ongoing lobbying, promotion and representation at key conferences, trade shows and events.

The aim is to build upon and continue existing successful work to attract new energy-related inward investment to the area, from major energy companies and supply chains, and ensure that leads to local opportunities: to high-value jobs, growth and private investment.

The positive news follows the recent announcement of the Government’s Offshore Wind Sector Deal, which was launched in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

David Glason, Director of Development at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft are at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind. The region is the heart of England’s offshore energy sector, with significant opportunities for further growth as the offshore wind market is poised to increase in pace and scale.

“The borough council already works closely and proactively with Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, with excellent support from Norfolk County Council and other partners, to promote Great Yarmouth and the wider region for investment opportunities across the energy sector.

“Great Yarmouth has a growing reputation as an offshore wind hub. Equinor is servicing the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm from the river port and Vattenfall has reserved space for a base to operate and maintain their planned Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas wind farms, with the Outer Harbour now supporting construction of the East Anglia ONE wind farm.

“This really welcome funding from New Anglia LEP’s Innovative Growth Fund will enable us to build upon our important partnership work to maximise opportunities for offshore wind investment, supporting staff to deliver dedicated marketing, business advice and development activities in the burgeoning field of offshore wind.

“The project will see us create and embed a coherent, compelling and international brand and associated marketing campaign for Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, aiming to influence those who make the key investment decisions. The resource will enable us to collectively raise the profile of the area.”

Benjamin Foundation Becomes MIGSOLV’s Chosen Charity

Cloud, connectivity and data centre experts MIGSOLV have announced the Benjamin Foundation as their chosen charity for 2019 and beyond.

The Benjamin Foundation supports children, young people and families in Norfolk and Suffolk who are dealing with serious life challenges. They provide help with housing and homelessness, childcare, youth support and emotional wellbeing.

MIGSOLV are beginning their support of the Benjamin Foundation by purchasing ceramic butterflies for the charity’s ‘Flight for Youth’ campaign. MIGSOLV’s staff and their families, will paint the butterflies before they are displaced around the grounds of their Norwich data centre. They will then go on to feature in a larger art installation arranged by the Benjamin Foundation themselves.

“We’re really pleased to be able to support this fantastic charity in our small way” says David Manning, Managing Director of MIGSOLV. “Each year or so, we choose a charity to sponsor and fundraise for. As they’ve delivered support for twenty-five years this year, it seems a great time to help raise funds and awareness for the important work they do.”

Money donated to the Benjamin Foundation goes to range of projects including youth clubs, safe night accommodation, counselling and childcare for vulnerable families. The charity’s current ‘Flight for Youth’ campaign has been established to help them celebrate a quarter-century supporting children and young people in Norfolk and Suffolk.

MIGSOLV provide cloud, connectivity and data centre services which help businesses with every aspect of storing, managing and protecting their IT and data. Best known for providing East Anglia’s only world-class commercial data centre, they’ve recently announced a number of new services including multi-cloud storage solutions, infrastructure technical support and advanced cyber security.

For more information about the Benjamin Foundation, visit www.benjaminfoundation.co.uk

For more information about MIGSOLV’s services, visit www.migsolv.com

ASAMS celebrates 30th Anniversary

Metals Testing Company celebrates 30th Anniversary.

 

The Directors and Staff at ASAMS in Great Yarmouth are proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their independent metal testing business in 2019.

A look back at some key events

Interesting details and photographs from the company archive are shown here https://www.asams.co.uk/about/company-history

Over the years the company has continued a programme of investment and updating, both in terms of equipment and people, to raise standards and improve efficiency. “The 100 hour weeks are no more”, says Andrew Page who was a Test Technician back in 1989 and is now a Director.

This has resulted in the bright, modern lab and offices that the team and their clients experience today.

Highs and lows

One of the highlights from recent times was in 2017 when, having worked in the business for 8 years, Thomas Whiskin BSc MSc CEng MIMMM MWeldI, became a Director and Shareholder in the business. Thomas said at the time “I am excited to help grow the company, deliver excellent customer service and create opportunities for more high skilled jobs”.  

A low point for the company was in 2005 when a member of the machine shop staff used a fork lift trick to accidentally lift a section of the roof off of the machine shop. Another was in 2018 when strong winds blew the roof off the Marine Building in Great Yarmouth. However taking a typically calm approach, part of the business was relocated into a temporary building in the car park whilst repairs were completed and in true ASAMS style they managed this with no visible disruption to client service. ASAMS appears to have problem keeping the roof in place! 

            

The future

Whilst celebrating 30 years with a series of events during 2019, the Directors are confident that the business is well positioned for continued success in the future. This includes having a clear vision to be the first choice for quality, personal service, speed and accuracy in metals testing a focused business plan which includes further expansion into the Aberdeen area, a people plan and a strong set of values:

  • Focus on excellence, quality and teamwork in all that we do
  • Passionate about delivering professional customer service
  • We strive for accuracy, accountability and confidentiality
  • A friendly, transparent, honest approach that builds trust and long term relationships

Indeed the Directors and Staff are pleased to promote that they can achieve in 2 days what it takes competitors two weeks to achieve – that’s Amazing Customer Service! 

Please see www.asams.co.uk for more information about ASAMS Ltd and the metal testing services including:

  1. Mechanical Testing
  2. Weld Certification
  3. Failure Analysis and Metallurgical Consultancy
  4. Metallography
  5. Corrosion tests
  6. Chemical analysis

Larking Gowen to become MHA Larking Gowen

Leading East Anglian chartered accountants, Larking Gowen, has changed its name to MHA Larking Gowen, with effective from today, 9 April 2019.

The change is taking place because the firm has decided to take on the branding of its professional national association, MHA.

MHA was founded in 2010 and is made up of regional accountancy firms with over 45 offices across England, Scotland and Wales.

The association members share resources and expertise, which helps them deliver a wide-reaching and stronger service to their client base.

MHA is a member of Baker Tilly International, which has an accountancy network across 145 territories, giving their own members access to a wide range of international resources.

Jon Woolston, Managing Partner of MHA Larking Gowen, said that by strengthening its affiliation with MHA and Baker Tilly International, the firm was securing its future and independence for years to come.

“We see this as an essential step to take now to ensure that as MHA continues to evolve, we can be at the centre of that development,” he said.

“As a founding member of MHA, we have been working closely with the association for a number of years. Closer affiliation with their branding gives us enhanced credibility in some key specialisms, which we can demonstrate on a national and international level.

“With all the issues around Brexit, what better time to show that we have a well-respected international offering. Having the tenth largest global network on tap is a great regional unique selling point for the firm,” he continued.

“We would like to reassure our clients and professional colleagues that the firm will retain its level of independence, local knowledge and high standards of service that people have come to expect from us.”

Benefits of MHA membership include sharing knowledge, technological and systems support, better buying power, recruitment and training initiatives, shared marketing resources, business referrals, access to outside expertise, secondments at national and international level, benchmarking and the ability to pitch for business at the highest level.